Denso Corporation plans to launch a pilot program in July at its Hirose plant in Japan that uses an SOEC (solid oxide electrolysis cell), a Denso-developed device that produces green hydrogen through electrolysis of high-temperature steam, to help power and increase the sustainability of its manufacturing operations. The trial will incorporate a verification test using the produced green hydrogen in a prototype power card line, the company said.
Denso said for years, it has pursued initiatives in the three areas of “Monozukuri (manufacturing),” “mobility products” and “energy use” to achieve carbon neutrality. The utilization of hydrogen energy is essential for realizing carbon neutrality as it does not emit CO2 when burned and can generate significant energy. To establish a hydrogen supply chain, Denso said it engages in technology development related to producing, storing, transporting and using hydrogen. As part of these efforts, the Hirose Plant, positioned as a green hydrogen utilization model factory in the semiconductor manufacturing field, will conduct a verification of green hydrogen production using SOEC technology and its application in manufacturing.
For hydrogen production, Denso will manufacture hydrogen within the factory using its SOEC. Denso’s SOEC is a device that efficiently produces green hydrogen through electrolysis by maintaining a consistent high temperature of around 700°C (1,292°F) and incorporates various technologies derived from automotive components, such as thermal management techniques for controlling internal temperatures, ceramic technology for efficient electrolysis at high temperatures, and ejector technology that recycles unreacted steam within the device.
Initially, the SOEC will utilize externally purchased green electricity as its power source. However, starting in 2025, Denso plans to replace this with green electricity generated by solar power generation facilities installed within the Hirose Plant. The company is also aiming to address the cost challenges associated with transporting hydrogen by establishing a model of local production and consumption, which involves producing green hydrogen using SOEC within the factory and consuming it internally. Additionally, the company said it aims to integrate the expertise and technology accumulated in semiconductor manufacturing at the Hirose Plant with the knowledge gained from this verification, eventually applying it to mass production in the future.
